In an unexpected twist to Liverpool’s turbulent season, Dean Saunders has both defended and challenged Mohamed Salah amidst his drop in form. While the Egyptian forward was scintillating last season, securing a new contract with a staggering 57 goal contributions across all contests and clinching the Premier League Golden Boot with 29 goals, this campaign has been a stark contrast. Just five goals and four assists in 20 appearances speak volumes of the struggles Salah faces, having even found himself relegated to the bench on occasion.
Salah reportedly feels he’s being scapegoated or “thrown under the bus”, yet the shift in his performances compared to last year is undeniable. Though Saunders points to several factors contributing to Salah’s difficulties, he insists the player must also shoulder some responsibility himself.
Addressing GOAL, Saunders reflected: “Back then, who’d expect it to unravel so drastically? I thought, losing Trent’s vision would be a blow for him. Trent had a uncanny ability to locate Salah without even glancing. It was a synergy – Trent inside those delivers outside. Like a magician with a wand, he’d carve out opportunities that would place Salah in commanding positions. Full-backs knew it too, yet still struggled.”
He continued: “I sympathise slightly with Salah. Injuries to key colleagues like Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez, and Luis Diaz have posed challenges. Diaz’s knack for stretching the flanks offered overlaps pivotal to Salah’s game. Cody Gakpo, for instance, hasn’t replicated Diaz’s dynamism. Then there’s Andy Robertson, whose overlaps have been sorely missed.”
“But,” Saunders urged, “self-reflection is due. Questions arise: When was the last you outpaced a full-back? Curled one into the top bin? Revisit your golden moments. Reconnect with the Salah that’s etched in our memories. So, yes, look in the mirror.”
Liverpool’s conundrums do not stop at Salah. An ex-Liverpool player warns of Alexander Isak’s acclimatisation issues, a potential summer reshuffle is mooted with an £83m bid for a La Liga star, and Jamie Carragher delves further into his controversial Salah ‘disgrace’ claims.
Saunders also noted Liverpool’s defensive recalibrations in recent clashes against West Ham and Inter, where Szoboszlai, slotting in Salah’s domain, stabilised the Reds’ defensive vulnerabilities.
“Salah must grasp the managerial decisions,” Saunders asserted. “He might see himself as at the pinnacle, but there’s a nuance in Klopp’s strategy he must appreciate. Public grievances must be retracted, fostering amends can ease tensions.”
In broader conversations, Van Dijk’s leadership has also been critiqued, drawing comparisons to the fiery Fernandes. Liverpool’s challenges, both tactical and individual, pose intriguing questions as the season unfolds.